Look on the web and there is no Divine Liturgy internet broadcast entirely in English.

I submit that this could be one of the greatest evangelization tools we Byzantine Catholics could do. Imagine: Good liturgy, a broadcast with strong congregational singing and good preaching. Not only would it reach isolated Byzantine Catholics, it would reach many more who might never visit a Byzantine parish on their own but might preview a Divine Liturgy on the internet and then decide to come to a parish.

The broadcast could be updated each Sunday and perhaps have special broadcasts for feast days.

Thoughts?

I agree with this thought, I suggested this to a few Orthodox and Catholic Syriac Liturgy Churches.

How about St. Elias in Brampton?

(Apparently a hacker has broken into their coverpage, but the other pages look okay.)

http://www.saintelias.com/ca/services/

As much as I like the St Elias webpage, I believe they still use a fair amount of Ukrainian in their services. I think for the most effective outreach of this kind the broadcast should be entirely in English

A video broadcast would be the most ideal but even an audio broadcast would have a great effect, I believe. Perhaps it could start out as an audio broadcast and turn into a video one later.

What would be required in order to do this, technically speaking? What would the time and cost investment need to be?

Dear Wondering,

That is relatively easy. A good digital recorder is necessary along with an acoustic microphone. Now for the different platforms there are some differences.

For PC users, the editing and clarifications in sound and elimination of background noise you need a program like Adobe Audition 1.5. This is a virtual digital computer mixing board. Then you need a website to host the finished file after it has been saved on the preferred format, generally MP3. You then get it registered with an RSS Feed with one of the podcast or streaming services. This is generally at no cost, but has to be applied for. These sites like Real, iPodder, iTunes, etc are the larger hosting services for streaming and download.

For iMac (Apple) users, it is a little easier. For most computers on this platform the have the editing and production software preinstalled (iLife '04 or '06) and bundled with the machine. This saves on additional software costs. Everything can be done including the obtaining of the website through these programs. The registration would still have to be done for the other services as I described earlier.

I have been working on some projects for my archdiocese that would involve what you are suggesting, so I have had to carefully research out and obtain all of the programs and materials. My office is equipped with both platforms, so it has involved more time invested in researching the potentials for each. I have had practiced with some of the files from a few of our posters, one of which is the Holy Week/Pascha files from St. George's in Alliquippa, PA. I believe there is a link to the files that were recorded live in the Kliros section.

I hope that this helps you.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Thank you Father Anthony. It helps a lot. Now an even more basic question:

What is a "good" digital recorder and acoustic microphone?

Dear Wondering,

Without trying to be recommending one brand over another (I do have my presonal favorites), I refuse to act as any company's PR man. My brand loyalty goes only so far, and what works for me may not be right for you. I would suggest you go to ebay and spend a little time doing some research on those items. That in itself will be very educational. The only thing I will warn on though, while I have never had a bad purchase with the hardware from reputable eBay vendors (the ratings can be seen on each seller both positive and negative) , I have been been burned and have lost money on many software purchases. I would suggest that you buy from the manufactuer's direct. Most of the software on eBay is either outdated or counterfeit. I will only use authenic software so that I can get the support if needed. it may cost a little more, but it is worth it in the long run.

Most software manufacturers that produce this kind of software like Adobe have a special discount for non-profits and educational institutions. You will have to supply them with documentation in most cases to qualify for the discounts, but it is worth it, generally 65-75% off the regular prices.

Generally from the information on eBay, I have been able to go to the manufacturer sites armed with the information and make some informed decisions with the latest versions of the products. Also if you have some time, go to the podcast section of the iTunes Store, click on the technology section and you can download both audio and video podcasts (they can be played on iTunes or Real Player on your computer) that will help you learn to be proficient in these steps and would have them make some good solid recommendations. I personally took several months of research, asking questions, and finally using good ole trial and error to come up to the point of being able to produce quality podcasts and DVDs. You justhave to take this as a long term homework assignment and you will be surprised at what you will be able to do in a few months. With hardware and software purchases, your costs can be if you really do your homework well under $1000.

I hope this helps a little more.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

As far as costs go...perhaps there'd be enough interest in seeing this happen a fund could be set up in the hosting parish for people to contribute towards the costs?

Dear DTBrown & Wondering,

That is a good possibility for doing it. Especially if you have a couple of people that would work on the project together. As they are sure of what they want in each of the items needed (hardware and software) and start working with it, the acquisitions are not too burdensome on the pocketbook. I do strongly suggest that whoever works at this becomes proficient at each phase, and that numerous trials be done so that they gain the experience at producing such a venture. For those that may want to move it up a notch, do not be afraid to contact others that have done it already and ask questions. In most cases they will gladly share with you how they were able to do it.

I know that when it was first proposed to myself and others in our regular departmental project meetings, an open-ended timeline was set so that I could train myself, do the research, and them start working on some trial projects to improve the quality. I love these technology projects.

One thing that really helped, is making some book purchases and spending many hours researching this on the internet. While setting it up in my office, I was also able to create a small studio in my home office at the same time so that I could do some of the work from there.

Also, remember to build up as many outlets (database) that you can advertise this within parishes, diocese, etc. I can not stress organization enough in something like this. It will come back to you a hundred fold if you put in the effort. The more you have the more that people will come and listen. This is a great way of involving more and spreading the word, and teaching others.

Though it seems like a lot now in the initial discussion stage, it really is not, and can be a lot of fun to work on. Just think, this is a rather untapped missionary tool that would further the Good News if we are only faithful and follow through on it. Keep us up to date on the project and how it develops. I am sure others are watching. Never be afraid of competition in this area, for it helps raise the bar, and the end result is attracting more to the Kingdom of God with a quality witness.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

PS, not to scare you, but once you master audio, video becomes very easy to add to what you offer. I was able to produce my first DVDs this summer with a lot of positive feedback and not much more additional in hardware and software. Just dropping a hint. Isn't working in the Lord's vineyard exciting and challenging in the 21st century?

Father Bless,

Now we know where all those YouTube Videos come from! (Though I am still waiting for Mothra versus Giant Kit Kat)

I would be willing to contribute to a project to broadcast Church Services via the internet.

I would be particularly pleased if we could get several parishes of Russian Old Rite, Ruthenian Recension, Greek Orthodox, Melkite, etc. to each post downloadable Church Services. Each Parish could record each every service held. This would give the poor souls that are deprived of Vespers, Matins, Akathists, etc. the opportunity to listen and pray these services. MP3 players could be utilized to listen to Matins, etc. during long commutes. The faithful can begin to learn other new Liturgical Languages, etc.